News Blog @ Wellington City Libraries

Unstoppable
“With the caboose of Tony Scott’s Taking of Pelham 123 barely in the distance, the filmmaker turned to Unstoppable, a train-chase picture loosely inspired by a true story. At a Pennsylvania rail yard, some clueless workers let an unmanned train get loose, and the thing is soon hurtling across the countryside. Did we mention that it’s pulling a few cars’ worth of highly toxic material? Meanwhile, old-time engineer Denzel Washington and new conductor Chris Pine are making a routine run nearby. This odd couple is the only hope for stopping the runaway, while upper management dithers and an operations-room dispatcher (Rosario Dawson) spends most of the movie talking into her headset. Scott is an unabashed manipulator, and he yanks all the strings at his disposal for this whipped-up pageant: song cues, hype-filled reaction shots, stunts aplenty. But the pulse does quicken, if you can turn your mind off for a while…” (Adapted from Amazon.com)

Sherlock. Series one .
“In the wake of Guy Ritchie’s re-imagining, the BBC puts its own stamp on Arthur Conan Doyle’s sleuth–and sets him in a London filled with cell phones and laptops. In the pilot, director Paul McGuigan (a keen visual stylist) introduces Sherlock Holmes (Atonement’s Benedict Cumberbatch) as a “high-functioning sociopath” and Dr. John Watson (The Office’s Martin Freeman) as an army veteran with post-traumatic stress disorder. Through a mutual friend, the two become flatmates at 221B Baker Street (Una Stubbs plays their landlady). Holmes, who consults with Scotland Yard inspector Lestrade (Rupert Graves) on his trickier cases, drafts Watson to assist him…” (Adapted from Amazon.co.uk)

Morning glory
‘Rachel McAdams is excellent as an ambitious TV producer who vows to turn around a sinking morning TV news show by bringing in a heavyweight anchor (Harrison Ford) to pair with the lighthearted, deft DianeKeaton. But Ford wants none of the “news lite” that morning shows need to surface, so sparks fly between the bickering co-anchors almost immediately. Happily, Ford is easier in his skin in Morning Glory than he has been in some of his past romantic efforts (Six Days Seven Nights), so he and Keaton play off each other easily and believably. In a parallel story, McAdams’s Becky is pursued by Wilson’s Adam, which takes Ms. Focused Career Girl by surprise….’ (description from Amazon.com)

Treme. The complete first season
‘As Treme opens, a group of New Orleans residents are celebrating their first “second-line parade” since Hurricane Katrina blew through the city and across the Gulf Coast just three months earlier. But there’s darkness just below this shiny surface, and anyone familiar with The Wire, cocreator-writer David Simon’s last show, won’t be a bit surprised to find that he and fellow Treme writer-producer Eric Overmyer aren’t shy about going there. The New Orleans we see is a city barely starting to recover from what one character calls “a man-made catastrophe… of epic proportions and decades in the making.” Many people’s homes are gone, and insurance payments are a rumor. Treme has a lot of characters and their stories to keep up with. You might not like all of them. Not all get through the series unscathed, or even alive. But that’s part of the deal. The show feels authentic, the utter lack of gloss and glamour–this is no Chamber of Commerce travelogue…’ (description from Amazon.com)

Dr. Horrible’s sing-along blog : the book / featuring the script and songs by Joss Whedon … [et al.] ; with contributions from the cast and crew ; sheet music notation by Jane Watkins.
“Joss Whedon’s Emmy award-winning musical tragicomedy tells the story of Billy, aka Dr Horrible, a budding supervillain who wants to beat superhero Captain Hammer and take over the world… and pluck up the courage to speak to his laundromat crush Penny. With exclusive new material from Joss and the production team, new photos, sheet music and more, this official book is a must for fans!” (Syndetics summary)

Burlesque : the motion picture / introduction by Cher ; foreword by Christina Aguilera ; Welcome to Burlesque by Steven Antin.
“The official companion to the upcoming musical motion picture event. In “Burlesque,” Christina Aguilera plays Ali, a small-town girl who follows her dreams to Los Angeles and finds work at an ailing theater owned by Tess (Cher). On her way toward stage success, Ali is helped by a sharp-witted stage manager (Stanley Tucci) and fabulous host (Alan Cumming), finds a friend (Julianne Hough) and a jealous enemy (Kristen Bell), falls for a bartender (Cam Gigandet), and receives an enticing proposal from a charismatic entrepreneur (Eric Dane). Breathtaking choreography, outrageous costumes, and original and classic songs make “Burlesque” the kind of brash and bold musical fans go mad for. Filled with scenes from the film, exclusive behind-the-scenes photos, costume sketches, set designs, screenplay excerpts, and contributions from the cast and crew, this is a gorgeous, fascinating, and up-close celebration of the over-the-top glamour and gritty struggles found in “Burlesque.”” (Syndetics summary)

The guitar [sound recording] / Miloš.
“Charismatic guitarist Miloš Karadaglić debuts on Deutsche Grammophon with an album saluting his instrument’s Mediterranean heritage. Born in the Balkan state of Montenegro, Miloš’s love-affair with the guitar began when he was eight, when his father played him a recording of Segovia making magic with Albeniz’s “Asturias”. Miloš gave his first public performance at nine, entered (and won) his first national competition at eleven. He became a star performer on television and radio, took guitar master-classes in Belgrade, and then, shortly after the end of the Balkan war, moved to London to attend the Royal Academy of Music. Miloš’s choices of solo repertoire as well as music for guitar and orchestra are guaranteed to appeal to all lovers of guitar, classical and non-classical alike.” (Summary from Amazon.co.uk)

The most incredible thing [sound recording] / Pet Shop Boys.
“Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe (AKA Pet Shop Boys) write the music for their first ever full-length ballet. The Most Incredible Thing is a collaboration with choreographer Javier De Frutos and Britain’s leading contemporary dance theatre, Sadler’s Wells. Based on the Hans Christian Anderson story of the same title.” (Summary from Syndetics)

Photobooth dogs.
“This one-of-a-kind collection celebrates the age-old bond between dogs and their people. Featuring happy and clearly beloved pets in more than 100 portraits taken in photobooths over the last 80 years, these images are a testament to the devotion people have felt and will always feel for their dogs.” (Syndetics summary)

All My Friends Are Dead
“If you’re a dinosaur, all of your friends are dead. If you’re a pirate, all of your friends have scurvy. If you’re a tree, all of your friends are end tables. Each page of this laugh-out-loud illustrated humor book showcases the downside of being everything from a clown to a cassette tape to a zombie. Cute and dark all at once, this hilarious children’s book for adults teaches valuable lessons about life while exploring each cartoon character’s unique grievance and wide-eyed predicament. From the sock whose only friends have gone missing to the houseplant whose friends are being slowly killed by irresponsible plant owners (like you), All My Friends Are Dead presents a delightful primer for laughing at the inevitable.” (Syndetics summary)

Beasts of burden: animal rites – A talking pack of dogs solving supernatural mysteries in the middle of suburbia with magic powers? Unlikely? Perhaps, but fear not, Beasts of Burden is far subtler than it sounds. This highly recommended comic is packed with incident, horror, friendship and werewolves, possibly in that order…

My Greek kitchen / Mary Valle.
“Welcome to Mary Valle’s Greek kitchen, a place to share simple food, warm laughter and tradition. Mary’s passion for the food of her childhood is in every one of these classic recipes, handed down through generations and enlivened by her own modern twists. Indulge in the fresh scents of oregano and lemon; lamb roast that melts in your mouth; sticky baklava; light almond biscuits, and the tender juiciness of a great moussaka. With personal memories and stunning images, this is the cookbook with which to begin your journey into Greek food for every occasion.” (Global Books)

A Gourmet Tour of France : legendary restaurants from Paris to the Côte d’Azur / Gilles Pudlowski & Maurice Rougemont ; [translated from the French by Kerrin Rousset and Carmella Abramowitz-Moreau].
Prominent restaurant critic Gilles Pudlowski leads the reader on a tour across the heartland of gourmet dining, sharing menu selections from his favourite restaurants along with the stories behind the accomplished chefs and their kitchens.” (Library Catalogue)

Craft wisdom & know-how : everything you need to know to stitch, sculpt, bead and build / from the editors of Lark Crafts ; compiled by Amy Rost.
This title covers dozens of the most popular crafts in one complete, all-encompassing resource. The book is organized by type of craft and includes sewing, knitting, and other needlework; paper crafts, glasswork, and more. (Syndetics summary)

Loop-d-loop lace : more than 30 novel lace designs for knitters / Teva Durham ; photographs by Adrian Buckmaster.
“…In this installment, Durham shatters the idea that lace is old-fashioned by presenting more than 30 cutting-edge knitting designs that are as up-to-the-minute style-wise as they are thoroughly steeped in lace tradition. The projects cover a wide spectrum, from classic shawls and camisoles that utilize traditional laceweight yarns and revered stitch patterns, to ultramodern pullovers and accessories in bold colors and chunky yarns that showcase lace at a larger scale. ….” (Syndetics summary)

Woodburning : the greener way to fuel your home / by John Butterworth.
“Offering a far more realistic and practical solution than any other renewable option currently on the market, the woodburner is both greener and cheaper than fossil fuels and has been the heater of choice for many already living off the grid . It is now also becoming a popular option for many looking to take advantage of a new generation of stoves that are designed to burn more efficiently and economically.” (Summary from amazon.co.uk)

Terrarium craft : create 50 magical, miniature worlds / by Amy Bryant Aiello & Kate Bryant ; photography by Kate Baldwin.
“Few terrarium books have been published in recent years, but many glass gardening enthusiasts persisted past the 1970s, and they will enjoy the 50 projects in this book-updated terrariums evocative of forests, beaches, deserts, and fantasies…-Bonnie Poquette, Milwaukee (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.(c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.” (Library Journal)

Here are some of the latest health books added to our library collection:

How best can we help those around us when they are facing challenging times? What little things can make a big difference in our daily lives? And how do we find true wealth, understand the impact of the mother-daughter bond on young girls developing sense of sexuality and self esteem, or begin to comprehend the emotional rollercoaster for those who have faced infertility and loss of pregnancies? Read on to find out more…

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner : retrospective [published in conjunction with the exhibition "Ernst Ludwig Kirchner: Retrospective", Städel Museum, Frankfurt am Main, April 23 to July 25, 2010 / edited by Felix Krämer].
“Ernst Ludwig Kirchner painted city life as a joyous, bustling pageant, a sophisticated swirl of desiring bodies and colorful urbanity, giving Germany an energetic iconography for the glory days of modernity. One of the four founders of Die Brucke (The Bridge), Kirchner drew on German Renaissance art to conjure expressive exaggerations of face and posture, and brought to landscape painting a city-dweller’s zest, imbuing tranquil scenery with riotous energy. Coinciding with a Kirchner retrospective at the Stadel Museum–the first to be seen in Germany in 30 years–this massive volume surveys the artist’s several creative phases and genres. … With essays by renowned art historians, this definitive monograph offers fresh perspective on the continued relevance of Kirchner.
(Amazon.com description)

Sock and glove : creating charming softy friends from cast-off socks and gloves / Miyako Kanamori.
“This guide contains step-by-step illustrations and instructions on how to make 13 delightful softy creations, all pieced together from ordinary socks, gloves, and mittens.” (Syndetics summary). Note from Librarian – School Holiday projects anyone?

Art at the speed of life : motivation + inspiration for making mixed-media art every day / Pam Carriker. If you need some inspiration for turning your UFOs into new projects this ahs some great ideas!

Artists’ handmade houses / text by Michael Gotkin ; photography by Don Freeman.
“”Artists’ Handmade Houses” is a collection of 13 homes handcrafted by the finest artists and craftsmen in America, including George Nakashima, Henry Varnum Poor, Sam Maloof, Wharton Esherick, and Russel Wright. Built over the course of 75 years, from the late-19th century to the mid-20th century, these homes were each designed and built by the artists as an expression of their aesthetic sentiments, and in many cases, as extensions of their artwork. As such, these private domains are utterly unique and deeply imbued with each artist’s singular vision and talent. A few of the homes have been awarded National Historic Landmark status, and several are open to the public, while still others have sadly fallen into disrepair or are now in the hands of new owners. In a few cases, the photographs in this book represent the last record of the house as created by its artist resident.” (Syndetics summary)

New natural home / Dominic Bradbury ; photographs by Richard Powers.
“Inspirational houses from around the world: how architects and home owners can achieve harmony between dwellings and nature.” (Syndetics summary)

Postcards from the edge of the catwalk / Iain R. Webb.
“At every fashion event there is the invited audience, and then there are the privileged few, whose access transcends the velvet ropes and vip rooms. For longer than I can remember, Iain R Webb was one of the few who was invited everywhere and had the presence of mind to take pictures of what was happening. There is no better guide to fashion’s inner sanctum. This book is the next best thing to actually being there.” Paula Reed, style director, Grazia “Iain R Webb’s book is an incredibly natural vision of the impossibly unnatural world of fashion. A truly important vision from the inside of the most creative of industries. It certainly is an amazing testament to some of the most important fashion moments from the last 25 years.” Nick Knight, photographer (Amao)

How to listen to great music : a guide to its history, culture, and heart / Robert Greenberg.
“This latest offering from the Teaching Company, an instructional audio and DVD manufacturer, is an informative and entertaining survey of Western classical music from around 1600 to 1900. Greenberg, who has taught in many Teaching Company music DVDs, approaches his topic with both expertise and humor, including chatty biographies, basic music theory, and listening recommendations to put readers at ease and motivate them to explore. -Barry Zaslow, Miami Univ. Libs., Oxford, OH (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.(c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.” (Library Journal)

How music works : the science and psychology of beautiful sounds, from Beethoven to the Beatles and beyond / John Powell.
“We all love a good tune. But what actually happens to make music sound the way it does? Discover the answers in this entertaining, ear-opening guide to the science and psychology of music.Musician and scientist John Powell explains everything, from what makes a “pop” song to why Mozart was off-key; from how harmony works to how music is composed; and from why certain notes clash to what Beethoven’s “Moonlight” Sonata and Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” have in common.Lively and enlightening, How Music Works is a treasure trove for the listener and lover of music. Book jacket.” (Syndetics summary)

Rawlicious : delicious raw recipes for radiant health / Peter and Beryn Daniel.
Rawlicious introduces readers to a lifestyle that marries long-term health benefits and higher energy levels with delicious and simple raw recipes. Rawlicious covers a broad spectrum of recipes and raw principles, from basics like stocking your raw kitchen, juicing, salad preparation, and making smoothies, to more advanced, gourmet dishes. Stunning full-color photos throughout will inspire readers to get into their kitchen, and clear, easy instructions to 144 recipes will encourage them to stay.” (library catalogue)

Appetite for reduction : 125 fast & filling low-fat vegan recipes / Isa Chandra Moskowitz ; with Matthew Ruscigno.“Bestselling vegan chef Moskowitz is known for making groundbreaking strides in vegan cooking. “Appetite for Reduction” offers 125 delicious, big-portion recipes that are fewer than 400 calories per serving, low in fat and sugar, and high in fiber.” (Syndetics summary)

The New Zealand tramper’s handbook : everything you need to know to stay safe and have fun / Sarah Bennett & Lee Slater.
“New Zealand has some of the most magnificent and accessible wilderness areas on earth, and exploring them on foot is both exhilarating and rewarding. The key to an enjoyable and safe outdoor adventure lies in sound preparation, and THE NEW ZEALAND TRAMPER’S HANDBOOK is an excellent starting point. Aimed at beginner trampers, it gives practical and sensible information on: clothing, footwear and equipment; maps and navigation; weather, river crossings and other challenges; safety and survival skills; camping tips and hut etiquette; the trampers’ pantry – eating well on the track; useful pre-trip checklists.” (Global Books)

Healthy intelligent training : the proven principles of Arthur Lydiard / Keith Livingston.
“This book is for all serious middle distance athletes and coaches. The book is based on the proven principles of Arthur Lydiard, the Runner’s World Coach of the Century.” (Syndetics summary)

Supercharged Taoist : an amazing true story to inspire you on your own adventure, by the Barefoot Doctor.
“In the pages of this riveting book, The Barefoot Doctor charts his 25 years of training with some of the most inspiring and innovative teachers and gurus of their generation. … The Barefoot Doctor achieves something unique: he tells ripping yarns about real-life spiritual leaders that also succeed in passing on the essence of their teachings. As well as being hugely entertained, you’ll come away inspired to start living by your own intuition so you can create an incredible life for yourself.The Barefoot Doctor has been at the helm of the personal development movement in the United Kingdom for more than two decades. The author of 13 best-selling books, he has devoted his life to interpreting, simplifying, and sharing the ancient Taoist system of medicine, martial arts, meditation, and creativity.” Drawn from the Book jacket.

Living in the Tao : the effortless path of self-discovery, by Mantak Chia and William U. Wei.
“Taoists say that we must learn to observe with the mind and think with the heart. In the West we get caught up in the “monkey mind” of our ego. We think we can control our individual destinies by swimming upstream against the current, but we are mistaken. When we learn to quiet the monkey mind with meditation practices, we are able to go beyond the linear/thinking of the upper brain and connect to the multidimensional thinking of supreme consciousness in the heart center. In Living in the Tao, Master Mantak Chia and William Wei present techniques to help us learn to move beyond the limits of time and space to connect with the universal truth within-without striving….” (Syndetics summary)

Barefoot running : how to run light and free by getting in touch with the Earth / Michael Sandler, with Jessica Lee.
“How could something we have for free- our bare feet – be better for running than $150 shoes? Running in shoes is high impact, heel-centric, promotes bad form, is relatively unstable and inflexible, tends to weaken rather than strengthen your feet, knees, and hips, which leads to injury while dampening your connection to the world around you. In contrast, barefoot running is low-impact, toe-centric, promotes good form, enhances stability and adaptability, strengthens your feet in miraculous ways, and provides delightful sensory and spiritual connections to the earth. In this comprehensive guide two of its pioneers, teach the RunBare technique: getting grounded, starting out slowly; navigating through rough weather and rugged terrain, coping with injuries, building your feet into living shoes, and understanding minimalist shoes. Once you learn to dance with nature, you’ll tread lightly into the silence, hearing nature’s secret symphony, and the dirt beneath your feet.” (Publisher Description)

Wide awake : what I learned about sleep from doctors, drug companies, dream experts, and a reindeer herder in the Arctic circle / Patricia Morrisroe.
“Journalist and biographer Morrissoe has suffered from insomnia all her life. Here, she takes us on her odyssey in search of sleep, trying everything from drugs to hypnosis to meditation. Like Elizabeth Gilbert’s recent Committed, this book manages the rare feat in an “issue” memoir of successfully integrating the history of a topic with the author’s personal story. Informative, accomplished, and occasionally hilarious. Readalikes: Elizabeth Gilbert’s Committed and Kay Redfield Jamison’s An Unquiet Mind.-Lauren Gilbert (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC” (Library Journal)

What really helps : using mindfulness and compassionate presence to help, support, and encourage others / Karen Kissel Wegela.
“Most of us, at one time or another, would like to help a friend, family member, or acquaintance through a challenging time. But do we really know how to give meaningful support and guidance? And why do our best efforts at helping others often come up short? Here is a practical guide that will be of special interest to helping professionals-and anyone who wants to make a positive difference in the lives of people they care about”. (Book cover)

Answers to everyday questions about relationships : when to stay, when to go and how to make it work / Jo Lamble.
“Jo Lamble, Australia’s leading relationships expert, knows the answers to all the questions you’ve been dying to ask. For nearly twenty years she has helped singletons, those in the first flush of love and long-time couples negotiate the thorny territory of dating, love and splitting up. This pragmatic guide reveals how to strengthen and enrich your relationship and how to tell if it’s time to let it go. Jo quashes myths about commitment, infidelity and sex and tells you the early warning signs of trouble to watch out for – and she answers real questions from real people, showing you how to make bad relationships better and good relationships great.” (Book cover)